Blockbuster Central: Vicarious Play and the Paradox of the Video Game Movie: A Central Question for Media Education

Despite far surpassing movies in global sales, and rivalling them in terms of star power and internet hype, video games are rarely given as much critical attention as films – something that isn't helped by the dismal quality of big-screen game adaptations. Peter Gutiérrez explores the complicated relationship between cinema and gaming, and explains why leaving gaming out of lessons means missing out on a rich media learning opportunity.

Additional keywords: Assassin's Creed, adaptation, Tomb Raider, Lara Croft, Street Fighter, Doom, Mortal Kombat, Resident Evil, gaming, Gutierrez.